The first day of the National Ploughing Championships witnessed large numbers descending on the event site in New Ross. It was expected that the poor weather forcasted would dampen the attendance numbers on the first day of competitive ploughing. However, while numbers were down on the figures of this day last year, spirits and the intense rivalry remained extremely high. Attendance figures for today were recorded at just fewer than 52,000. This represents only a slight decrease on last year’s numbers of 66,000.

Despite the inclement weather, the site accessibility and ploughing conditions remained good. Ms Anna May McHugh stated: “We are extremely pleased with the turn out today, especially given the weather. Luckily we didn’t receive the torrential rained predicted and it is now expected that the weather will pick up over the coming days. We are expecting similar or larger crowds tomorrow with a heavily packed day of trading, ploughing and various events”.

Prior to officially opening the National Ploughing Championships, President Michael D Higgins took to the ploughing plots to examine the conditions and meet with the Under 21 conventional competitors. Having walked the fields and sampled the competitive conditions, he attended and visited several exhibitors to experience and witness all the Championships has on offer.

Now with the Championships in top gear, Tuesday is expected to attract even large crowds with a number of celebrating and sporting stars attending. A very large crowed is also expected to turn out to meet Irish rugby legend John the Bull Hayes who will be signing autographs and meeting fans.